Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Population 15,317 · Missouri
About Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Fort Leonard Wood is a mid-sized city located in Missouri with a population of 15,317 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,629 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Leonard Wood features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Leonard Wood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,169, 1% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,422 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (1,814 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Leonard Wood shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Leonard Wood have an average one-way commute time of 9.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Fort Leonard Wood residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Black or African American, and 6.5% Asian residents, with 8.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Compared to national averages, Fort Leonard Wood has a median household income of $68,629 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,169 is 1% above the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Fort Leonard Wood's income is 12% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 100% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
Fort Leonard Wood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 9.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,629) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Leonard Wood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Leonard Wood has a population of 15,317 with a median age of 20.3 years. Compare Fort Leonard Wood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Fort Leonard Wood
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 15,157 | $42,157 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Carthage | 15,513 | $50,849 | $133,500 | Compare |
| Jackson | 15,532 | $80,435 | $227,600 | Compare |
| Washington | 14,948 | $78,510 | $217,500 | Compare |
| Overland | 15,762 | $57,755 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Grain Valley | 15,967 | $87,266 | $269,800 | Compare |
| Sikeston | 16,231 | $53,203 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Poplar Bluff | 16,243 | $42,035 | $109,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Leonard Wood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Leonard Wood
What is the population of Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
The population of Fort Leonard Wood, MO is 15,317 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Fort Leonard Wood?
The median household income in Fort Leonard Wood, MO is $68,629 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Leonard Wood?
The median home value in Fort Leonard Wood, MO is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Leonard Wood?
The median monthly rent in Fort Leonard Wood, MO is $1,169, which is 1% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Leonard Wood?
The unemployment rate in Fort Leonard Wood, MO is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fort Leonard Wood, MO a good place to live?
Fort Leonard Wood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,317 and a median age of 20.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
29.2% of residents in Fort Leonard Wood aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Leonard Wood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Leonard Wood, MO: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,169/month, and median household income is $68,629. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Leonard Wood?
The poverty rate in Fort Leonard Wood, MO is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Leonard Wood, MO?
Fort Leonard Wood's population is 11.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Black or African American, 6.5% Asian, and 16.6% two or more races. 8.6% of residents are foreign-born.